Rivian emailed everyone in Canada with an R2 reservation to share a timeline update. The first order invitations will go out in the first half of 2027.
Here’s some background on the situation. Rivian first said the R2 would arrive in Canada in 2026, but that changed. The launch was pushed to 2027 so the company could focus on ramping up in the US, since the first vehicles from Normal are headed there. We reported on this change earlier, including when Rivian quietly removed the $66,500 CAD starting price. Right now, there’s no Canadian price listed, so any previous number is off the table until Rivian announces a new one.
The reservation email matches what we’ve seen recently. An R2 test mule was spotted in British Columbia not long ago, which you can read about here. Seeing a test mule in the area usually means validation work or cold weather testing is happening. So, while customers are still waiting, the vehicle is being tested in Canada.
If you’ve been waiting in Canada, here’s what matters: you now have a window—the first half of 2027—but there’s still no price. The invitation is the first real step, and configuration and pricing will come after.
It’s fair to wonder if early 2027 will stick, since Rivian has already changed the date once and the US ramp is still the main focus.
Two things come to mind. First, is there a Launch Edition in Canada? And secondly, is this shift of date an indicator on sales above expectations in the US?